The Good News Community Newspaper

What Lies Ahead?

Dr. Dan Coflin
Pastor, River of Life Church

The Depression era gave way to the Great Generation followed by the Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y, and now Z. We have run out of alphabet letters to describe the characteristics of those born in various generations. So, are we at the end? Is the end near? What is the end?

During my lifetime I have witnessed in nearly every decade, those with “absolute proof” that the end of world has come or at least is right around the corner. Several decades ago we were entering another ice age where few, if any would survive. Then “they” (the rarely identified experts) determined that the polar caps were melting and the whole planet had entered a heat wave with cataclysmic consequences.

Some have forecast the soon arrival of meteorites or asteroids or some football stadium size rock that will wipe out all life on the planet. And if the dangers of the universe were not enough then the work of terrorist or corrupt politicians would certainly be our demise. Such projections have caused many to feel like there is no hope and the future is bleak. Dismay and despair have captured the hearts of many.

There is hope. Hope is a joyful and confident expectation of good. Hope is found in God who is called the “God of hope” (Rm. 15:13). This verse continues, saying, “The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

If you are filled with hope, then joy and peace will characterize your life. His promise to us is predicated on our believing and then receiving what he said is true. We are told not to “be anxious about anything” but instead “to pray” and then be “thankful” knowing God has heard us and then his promise to bring peace into our hearts will be fulfilled (Phl. 4:6,7). Jesus tells us to “not let our heart be troubled” (Jn. 14:1) or “to be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).

Fear of the future is not to define us. Let me quickly describe what God has said about your future. Jesus sent his disciples (all who believe in him) to carry the gospel (good news) to every nation, people, tribe, and language and tell them their sins are forgiven and eternal life is free for all who will receive it.

The Bible also describes a time when the kings of the earth will come and seek the Lord wanting to know him. The sincerity of their faith is seen when they transform their weapons of war into implements of harvest (Is. 2:2-4). It will come to pass that the knowledge of the glory of God will cover all the earth even as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14). When will these things come to pass? Jesus is retained in heaven until everything the prophets have prophesied has been fulfilled (Ats. 3:21).

So when the news is bad and doom and gloom are the headlines of the day, it is time for us to turn our attention to the Word of God. You are not destined to destruction, but to greatness. You are to walk in the victory Jesus finished on the cross and demonstrated at the empty tomb.

Dr. Dan Coflin and his wife Dianne are co-pastors of River of Life Church in Lutz, FL.
410 Chapman Rd. East, Lutz, FL 33549
(813) 949-9931 • www.roltampa.org

We would love to invite you to visit River of Life Church on 410 East Chapman Rd. in Lutz. Our lively worship begins at 10:30 on Sunday morning, and our church is a non-denominational, spirit-filled ministry. So please honor us with your visit. We would love to have you!